Salerno tile anyone? From Build Direct (tiles, color, Lowes, wood)

[Spanky25]

I received a nice sample of Salerno Hudson Series Porcelain tile. It has a wood look/finish.
It's there Hudson Series. Anyone have experience with this tile Co? Also, anyone deal with Build Direct? They are the exclusive dealer. Price seems too good to be true.

However, the sample I received seems nice.
Link:

http://www.builddirect.com/porcelain..._10082580.aspx

[540_804]

In a way, the price is too good to be true.

Here's a little experiment: Select the quantity tile you need and add it to your cart. Proceed to checkout (without inputting personal info) to get a shipping quote. Now look at the true price per square foot. Assuming you buy 300 square feet, the shipping charges add 66% to to the total price.

Use that price to compare to alternatives (local stores) and not just the subtotal price that they show on the product page. [For instance, Lowes has a similar product for $2.35/square foot (depending on location) that you can likely pick up at their store for free (thus no shipping charges). You get the added benefit of free and easy returns if their is a problem and you can even return individual unused tiles.]

If you are sure you want to get the tile from Builddirect, here's a pro tip of sorts: put the tile in your cart, proceed to check out, fill out your personal information, save and then close without buying. Wait for a few days. You will likely receive an email from a representative asking about your selection and offering you a lower price (either a discount on the tile or on delivery). Respond to the email saying you are interested in the tile but perhaps it's a little over budget or you think the shipping charges are a bit much. In short: negotiate. Build direct representatives can and will negotiate quotes with you.

[upgrader]

Originally Posted by Spanky25

I received a nice sample of Salerno Hudson Series Porcelain tile. It has a wood look/finish.
It's there Hudson Series. Anyone have experience with this tile Co? Also, anyone deal with Build Direct? They are the exclusive dealer. Price seems too good to be true.

However, the sample I received seems nice.
Link:

Ceramic & Porcelain Tile | Classic Elm | 6"x24"

I also got that exact same sample. Loved the look, even better than the picture. But I don't think it would hold up (at least in my home). The finish is razor thin. The edges easily chipped in my testing. There is an informative comment about "rectified edges" when you look at the reviews for all Salerno tile. This might be why the price is so attractive.

I think the better, more expensive products have a much thicker finish, and also have a "color body" so that even if you do chip away the finish the chip is hard to see. Too bad I haven't been able to find one I like as much (at even 4 times the price).

[upgrader]

Just wanted to thank poster "540_804" for the great tip!

[Dayster72]

Originally Posted by 540_804

In a way, the price is too good to be true.

Here's a little experiment: Select the quantity tile you need and add it to your cart. Proceed to checkout (without inputting personal info) to get a shipping quote. Now look at the true price per square foot. Assuming you buy 300 square feet, the shipping charges add 66% to to the total price.

Use that price to compare to alternatives (local stores) and not just the subtotal price that they show on the product page. [For instance, Lowes has a [URL="http://www.lowes.com/pd_397690-1813-1095205_4294696460__?productId=3815451&Ns=p_produc t_qty_sales_dollar|1&pl=1&currentURL=%3FNs%3Dp_pro duct_qty_sales_dollar%7C1&facetInfo="]similar product[/URL] for $2.35/square foot (depending on location) that you can likely pick up at their store for free (thus no shipping charges). You get the added benefit of free and easy returns if their is a problem and you can even return individual unused tiles.]

If you are sure you want to get the tile from Builddirect, here's a pro tip of sorts: put the tile in your cart, proceed to check out, fill out your personal information, save and then close without buying. Wait for a few days. You will likely receive an email from a representative asking about your selection and offering you a lower price (either a discount on the tile or on delivery). Respond to the email saying you are interested in the tile but perhaps it's a little over budget or you think the shipping charges are a bit much. In short: negotiate. Build direct representatives can and will negotiate quotes with you.

540-804 Thanks for the awesome tip. Although I didn't end up getting it at Build Direct (not enough stock on the tile I wanted) your were correct in stating that they negotiate for which I would have never known if not for your post.